The Oberon Friends are a particularly vivacious group of library users and supporters, who show an incredible enthusiasm and passion for the Oberon Library.

The Friends group, which was established in 2001, assists the library, sponsoring events and activities, providing special gifts for the library, organising library book sales, raising funds for the library and acting as an advocate and lobbyist for the library.

The Friends wished to become incorporated due to advantages such as being able to apply independently for grants, and having the ability to apply for permits to conduct raffles.

They asked the December 2008 council meeting to approve the incorporation of the group and to pay the initial $145 fee for incorporation. The Friends also requested that $3809.80 in funds that the council held in trust for the Friends be transferred to the newly incorporated body.

This request was met with vehement objection by some councillors, who believed that the Friends had a hidden agenda in wishing to become incorporated, and were attempting to remove themselves from council’s hold.

The Friends were denied their request in December, but stepped back into the ring fighting with a fresh attempt to receive council's support.

The Oberon Library has been under scrutiny in the past months, with a review of the library’s operations carried out focusing on the activities and usage of the library.

The Oberon Library Committee met at the beginning of February and again made a number of recommendations for the council to consider.

These included retaining the Library Committee as provided in the 2008/2009 Management Plan, that Mrs Jill Evans be appointed to the Library Committee, and that upon the incorporation of the Friends of the Oberon Library, that the council will release the funds held in trust on behalf of the Friends.

At the February council meeting, the role that the library plays in the community was once again discussed.

Some councillors questioned what the benefits were of incorporating the Friends of the Library, but other councillors were very supportive.

“I fully support what is happening at the Library,” said Councillor Bob O’Bernier.

The above recommendations made by the Library Committee were adopted.

The Oberon Friends of the Library is now in the process of becoming incorporated with Friends of Libraries Australia.